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Oak Park-River Forest welcomes its freshmen
Oak Park-River Forest High School senior Steven Piper (center) of River Forest raises his arms while welcoming freshman students Wednesday. | Buzz Orr~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: September 3, 2012 9:24AM
OAK PARK — Oak Park-River Forest High School’s 750 new freshmen were greeted Wednesday by cheerleaders, faculty, mentors, a drum-line and even the Huskie mascot.
“I’m excited to be in a new environment,” freshman Grace Reynders said.
Many were excited at Wednesday’s freshmen kick-off day to finally have the chance to be involved in high school sports and clubs.
“I want to join softball or diving,” freshman Rebecca Walker said.
“I can’t wait for football,” said freshman Brandon Johnson.
One hundred and six upperclassmen signed up as mentors for the freshman and were there to welcome their new mentees. They arrived in brightly colored T-shirts with “I Volunteer as a Mentor” printed on the back.
Each mentor was assigned eight students to lead this school year. Mentors plan activities and play games with the freshmen to get to know them and become friends.
The mentor program started last year and freshman kick-off day acts as the beginning of the relationship.
